NOVEMBER 23, 2006

Hakkinen lands drink-drive role

Mika Hakkinen has been named the Responsible Drinking Ambassador for McLaren sponsor Johnnie Walker by its parent company Diageo. Hakkinen's job will be to raise awareness on issues of responsible drinking, particularly in relation to driving.

"My years on the racetrack have shown the vital role responsibility and control play in motor sport," says Hakkinen. "These principles are just as important for drivers on the road around the world. This is a role that I truly believe in."

The announcement coincides with Diageo's new partnership with the European Transport Safety Council to identify best practices for reducing alcohol-related road fatalities and injuries among repeat drunk drivers and young and novice drivers.